Do you need more time to complete your tax return? Generally, you can get a six-month extension by submitting Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Induvial Income Tax Returns. The process is relatively straightforward, but there are several steps that must be completed in order for the application to be approved. Read on to find out how to extend the deadline for your tax return this year.
How do you apply for a tax return extension?
One of the most important steps in requesting a filing extension is to submit it within the original filing period. In most cases, this is April 15 or the next business day (if April 15 falls on a weekend). There are several ways to request an extension: online, by mail, or by payment. Best of all, there is no charge to apply for an extension of time to file your tax return.
To request an extension of time to file your tax return, you must
- Correctly calculate your current tax liability based on the information you have available
- Enter the total amount of tax owed for the year on Form 4868, line 4.
- Submit Form 4868 within the normal tax filing deadline.
File Form 4868 online
If you use online tax software to prepare your tax return, you can complete and submit Form 4868 with the same software. You can also use the IRS Free File software to automatically request an extension for electronic filing, regardless of your income level. If you work with a tax attorney, they can request the extension on your behalf.
Mailing Form 4868
You can also request an extension of time to file your tax return by mail. To do this, download Form 4868 from IRS.gov and have them mail it to you. Send the completed form to the address listed in the “Where to File Paper Form 4868?” section. People who file their tax return not after the calendar year, but after the tax year, should file a paper form and request an extension by mail. If you have already filed an extension online, you do not need to send in a paper form. However, if you are paying by check or money order, a copy of Form 4868 can be used as proof.
Electronic Payments
You can also request a tax extension without using Form 4868, by paying all or part of the estimated tax amount by IRS Direct Pay, Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or credit, or debit card. Payment may be made by credit or debit card. When making the payment, indicate that it is an extension of time for filing. Once payment is made, you will receive a confirmation number for your file.
Automatic Extensions in Special Circumstances
In certain circumstances (excluding payments), the IRS automatically extends the filing deadline without the need to submit Form 4868.
Residency outside of the United States
If you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien in the U.S. and are within the normal filing period, you will automatically be granted a two-month extension for filing and paying your taxes.
- The client resides outside the United States or Puerto Rico; or
- If you are a member of the armed forces and your place of duty is outside the United States or Puerto Rico.
To get a refund deferral, you must attach documentation to your tax return indicating which of the above items apply to you. The payment deadline is extended by two months, but interest is charged on any tax not paid after the initial filing deadline.
Combat Zone Tax Extensions
U.S. military personnel in a combat zone are automatically entitled to an extension of time to file their tax return if, in addition to the period of time they are serving in the combat zone, they are in the combat zone within 180 days of their last day of service. This extension option also applies to those serving in a combat zone in support of the U.S. armed forces, to
- Sailors serving on ships under the operational control of the Department of Defense.
- Red Cross personnel; and
- Civilian personnel serving under the control of the U.S. military in support of U.S. armed forces.
During the extended period, the accrual and collection period are also extended. No interest or penalties will be applied.
Will my request for an extension of time to file my tax return be granted?
Most requests to extend the time to file a tax return are approved. If you apply online, you will receive an email confirmation within 24 hours. If you apply by mail, unfortunately, you will not receive a confirmation email.
The tax authorities will not normally contact you unless there is a problem with your application. This usually occurs when there is an error in the 4868 form (typo or inconsistency with IRS information) that needs to be corrected. Once the correction is made, you can file a new application. However, if it is a significant tax deficiency, the application may be rejected.
More time to file instead of paying
If you are not entitled to a filing extension in a war zone, it is important to know that an approved filing extension does not mean more time to pay your tax. If you are late, you should pay as much as possible when you request an extension. This will reduce any fines or penalties for unpaid taxes that remain after the original filing deadline has passed.
Ask for outside help
If you would like to discuss a reasonable refund plan, filing an amended tax return, or other tax savings opportunities, consult the king tax service.
